Career Change Resume Writing

So you are ready to change careers, since job demand is low in your existing occupation, but you don't know where to start? Your resume may reflect your work history, that has been focused in one career and has nothing to do with the new careers you are interested in pursuing. Career change resumes can highlight the skills that are adaptable to any position, no matter what career field it is in.

Prepare to change your resume, highlights accomplishments, skills, and pertinent information that would apply to any job position. For example, leadership skills, communication skills, and sales ability are not limited to one particular job. You might want to include an executive summary, when you start compiling a functional resume.

On the other hand, you do not want to paint to broad of a picture. You will want to particularly highlight the skills that would be applicable to the career you are pursuing and point to particular accomplishments, if possible. After you have summarized particular skills, you may want to list accomplishments and how they applied on the job.

For example, you may want to list such things as, "successfully managed 98 employees over a 5 year period" or "increased annual sales by 15% consistently over a period of 3 years". Listing particular milestones can be helpful for a potential employer to see how they can apply your experience. Many times, you will be surprised at how many skills you have that can be adaptable to any career field. This can be especially true in management positions, but can also apply to any positions.

Even if you are willing to start in an entry position, you can highlight how you have moved up successfully at other companies or in other departments. You will want a functional career change resume to highlight accomplishments, skills, and education that can be adaptable, and job history can be left for the reference portion of your resume. If you have letters of recommendation from previous employers, or certifications and degrees, a potential employer will feel more comfortable giving you a chance, in most cases.

If you find that your career change resume is lacking in the ability to convince yourself you are capable of the career you are contemplating, then a potential employer will see through it. You might want to consider further education in the particular field you are contemplating. This is especially important if it is a specific career field, versus a broader one. For example, it will take specialized education to become an interior designer or a chef, but a customer service manager might not find it necessary.

When you are changing careers, your career change resume is your first opportunity to convince a potential employer. If it doesn't convince you, then it's time to revamp it or consider additional education. Even entry-level positions are a way to break into a new career field, so you may have to settle for a lesser job in the short run and work your way up through a company. A functional resume should highlight the assets a potential employer can put to use in a career change position, and not highlight ones that aren't applicable, however.

Privacy Policy- Copyright© 2008-2012